Why California Students Fell Below State Common Core Standards

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SACRAMENTO --

If your child didn't score well on the Smart Balanced test this spring, he or she is not alone.

Test results show that more than half of the 3.5 million students in California who took the test failed to meet the state's new Common Core academic standard.

The spring 2015 exam was different than previous tests, as it required students to explain how they obtained their answers. The exam was also computerized for the first time ever.

"California schools are in the midst of a transformation," Andrew LaMar with the state department of education told FOX40, Thursday. "We are focusing on skills kids need to succeed in the 21st century."

About 67 percent of students across the state failed to meet the new math standards, and LaMar says that was expected.

"They know how to use computers," Daniel McCord, the Principal at Crocker Riverside School in Land Park told FOX40, Thursday. "A lot of our students had trouble typing on an actual keyboard."

McCord explains that most students in 2015 are accustomed to typing on smartphones and tablets. "About one third of our students needed extra time to take the test," he explained.

State officials say no student will be left behind based on their spring 2015 test results.